Aquatic Rehabilitation and CoQ10: Synergistic Effects on Memory Improvement and Myelin Restoration in a Rat Model of Demyelination

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with cognitive decline, oxidative stress, and hippocampal neurodegeneration. Exercise and antioxidant supplementation, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), may offer neuroprotective benefits by modulating glial activity and enhancing myelin repair. This study examines the combined effects of aquatic training and CoQ10 on memory-related proteins, oxidative markers, and hippocampal integrity in a Cuprizone-induced MS model. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the protective effects of six weeks of aquatic training (EX) and CoQ10 supplementation on glial cell populations, neuronal proteins associated with memory impairment, and myelin repair in the CA1 hippocampal region of a Cuprizone-induced MS rat model. Methods: Forty-nine male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g, 12-week-old) were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 7): Healthy Control, Healthy_COQ10, healthy+EX, MS+COQ10, control+MS, MS + EX, and MS + EX + COQ10. To induce MS disease, Cuprizone powder was added to the animals’ food at a concentration of 0.5% for a duration of 6 weeks. The exercise protocol included 6 weeks of swimming in a water pool, five days a week for 30 minutes each session. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation was given daily using 1% COQ10 with a dosage of 150 mg/kg/day mixed in chow for a duration of 6 weeks. The Morris water maze (MWM) assessed the spatial memory evaluation. Protein expression for KLOTHO and NEUN was assessed through the Western blot technique, GSH, GSSG, MDA, GPX were measured by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) biochemical assay, NGF1, IL-1, and IL-4 were evaluated using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. Results: The findings indicated that following MS induction, the levels of NGF1, GSSG, GPX, IL-1, and IL-4 declined significantly while MDA increased significantly (P < 0.05). Aerobic exercise combined with COQ10 resulted in a notable rise in the relative protein expression of Klotho, as well as in the levels of GPX and GSSG, and the distance covered in MWM (P < 0.05). Both aquatic exercise and COQ10 resulted in a notable rise in GSSG levels (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the current findings, aquatic exercises combined with COQ10 can enhance memory impairments and oxidative stress by elevating Klotho protein expression and distance traveled in MWM and also increasing the levels of GPX and GSSG in a demyelination animal model.